Electrical and ultrasound stimulation for scaphoid fractures.

The standard treatment for delayed union or nonunion of the scaphoid is operative management. Electrical stimulation has been employed in these clinical situations in patients unable or unwilling to undergo surgical intervention. Recent interest has also focused on the use of low-intensity ultrasound as an adjunct to healing in distal radius and tibial fractures. Results with the use of ultrasound for scaphoid fractures is encouraging. A review of the mechanisms of action, clinical results, and possible indications is presented for these two nonoperative modalities.